Matt Stone
Master of Arts
I never really understood why, in American training facilities that teach Korean arts, that the Korean flag holds such a place of prominence. Likewise, I find it amusingly interesting that according to MOB schools in the UK don't hang the Union Jack, but hang the flags of other countries...
Even though I am an American, and darn proud of that fact (despite the black eyes my country's history may have), I fail to see the necessity of an American flag, either as flag or patch, displayed in conjunction with martial arts training.
Sure, hang one outside to show your patriotism. Sure, have one on your uniform to do the same. But hanging one in the school and bowing to it? Why not rather recite the Pledge of Allegiance or play the National Anthem, while holding the right hand over the heart? Those are American ways of displaying respect for our National Colors, not bowing...
And having other countries' flags in the school has sort of amused me, too... To paraphrase what MOB said upthread, do you forget the national origin of the art you study?
Anyway...
Wear what you want, just don't overdo it...
Gambarimasu.
:asian: :tank: :asian:
Even though I am an American, and darn proud of that fact (despite the black eyes my country's history may have), I fail to see the necessity of an American flag, either as flag or patch, displayed in conjunction with martial arts training.
Sure, hang one outside to show your patriotism. Sure, have one on your uniform to do the same. But hanging one in the school and bowing to it? Why not rather recite the Pledge of Allegiance or play the National Anthem, while holding the right hand over the heart? Those are American ways of displaying respect for our National Colors, not bowing...
And having other countries' flags in the school has sort of amused me, too... To paraphrase what MOB said upthread, do you forget the national origin of the art you study?
Anyway...
Wear what you want, just don't overdo it...
Gambarimasu.
:asian: :tank: :asian: